Welcome to DB.Dodge

 

The dodge will eat those hills up!!

 

That 12v with the hx35 pulls better than my truck did stock and I had no problems pulling a load as heavy if not heavier than your boat.

 

Welcome to DB! The Cummins will pull you boat no problemo. The thinking here is that the Cummins will put down more torque than the excursion. Thats the part that plays a roll in towing. Horsepower wont really effect the towing depending on what your doing. I also thought the 97 12v came stock 215hp?? Maybe im wrong but either way, you bought a towing truck and thats exactly what it will do.

 

The 01 PS is rated 250/505 (for an auto)

the 97 is rated 180/420 (for an auto)

either will have no problems towing it, the dodge I am willing to bet will get A LOT better fuel mileage.

 

cummins gets my vote. if you are coming down i77 stop at ravenswood wv and we will crank the ol dodge up alittle.

 

Dodge, Dually vs single rear wheel. Even if it a tad slower (which if they are both stock it will be) the dually will handle the load at speed better.

 

I would have to agree 100% there. I towed with a SRW truck, then I towed with a DRW truck and it's night and day for stability at highway speeds, I think you will enjoy it over the X.

I pulled the same grades you will hit not to long ago and there's really only 1 maybe 2 that will make the trucks work, but I will agree the gap on 81/7? was a good long climb and my poor old first gen in basically stock form wouldn't pull it in 5th gear.. could wind out 4th all day at around 60mph and pass everyone but just couldn't hold 5th.. now shouldn't have a problem with a few mods.